CPR can save your dog’s life! Teaching pet owners how to administer CPR is a program supported by animal health organizations and by the American Red Cross. For families with pets, at least one member has to know how CPR is done. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This first aid procedure that entails chest compression and rescue breathing will revive pets that have suffered cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmunary procedure is an emergency care that will stabilize the pet’s condition after cardiac arrest.

Airway blockage, electrocution, ingestion of poisonous substances are only some of the life threatening accidents that can happen to a dog. All dog owners would do anything to keep the pet safe from life threatening accidents. Dogs have an inquisitive and energetic nature and no matter how dog owners try to keep the pet safe, accidents will still happen. As accidents cannot be prevented, the only feasible option a dog owner can have is to be ready to deal with the injuries sustained by the pet by taking dog first aid lessons. CPR can be only chance an owner can have to save the life of the pet. The skill of the pet owner to administer this first aid method can save the life of the pet and can give the pet owner the chance to enjoy the companionship of the pet for many more days. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation involves artificial respiration and chest compression. CPR can be administered by following the ABC process.

Step A is for airway. Check if the dog’s airway is clear. Artificial respiration will be ineffective if the dog’s airway is blocked. If the dog’s head is not injured, it would be necessary to extent the head and to open the mouth to see if the airway is blocked by an object. The blockage can be manually removed if possible or the Heimlich maneuver can be performed.

If the airway is clear, rescue breathing can be done. Lay the pet on his side, hold the snout close with one hand and blow over the dog’s nose. One breath every 3 seconds must be given until the pet is breathing on its own. Breathing at full lung capacity is necessary if the dog that is being resuscitated is large. Rescue breathing for smaller dogs must be just enough to make the chest rise and not to inflate the lungs.

Chest compression is done to a dog that has lost consciousness and to one that has no pulse nor heartbeat. Position the palm of the hand on the dog’s ribcage over the heart. After the hands are positioned start compressing the chest. Compress the chest 3 times every two seconds. Signs of breathing must be periodically checked

<a href=”http://www.sarahsdogs.com/”>Sarah’s Dogs</a> has more information about <a href=”http://www.sarahsdogs.com/guides/first-aid/”>first aid for dogs</a> and <a href=”http://www.sarahsdogs.com/guides/first-aid/cpr.html”>CPR</a>.